Switching to synthetic oil on High mileage Altima

bob1234 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 04:35 AM

I have a 2005 Altima with the 2.5L engine. I am right at 122,000 miles and thinking about switching to the Mobil 1 High mileage synthetic oil 5W-30.

Here is the problem, my local Walmart does not carry 5W-30, only 10W-30.

Is it OK to use the regular Mobil 1 synthetic oil on a 122,000 mile engine? I currently do not have any leaks, but have heard that the small molecules in the synthetic oil can find small holes in worn gaskets.

xpressive · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 06:15 AM

You'll be fine..

-237K miles on my 94 Legend and I put her on synth at 200.

bob1234 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 06:20 AM

I hope it works since all the deals involve 5 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic oil and a filter included.

Mikeyb · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 01:41 PM

Check with Advanced Auto or Autozone.

hattrick3518 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 02:50 PM

i will be switching to synthetic at my next oil change (108,500). you should be fine, if not better off

TripleThreat0699 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 03:29 PM

i think it would be pointless since synthetic is supposed to protect ur engine for the future aka high mileage so i guess you can say "the damage has been done:, why not just get igh mileage motor oil, whats the company that guarantees ur engine up to 200,000 miles or something?

hattrick3518 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleThreat0699

i think it would be pointless since synthetic is supposed to protect ur engine for the future aka high mileage so i guess you can say "the damage has been done:, why not just get igh mileage motor oil, whats the company that guarantees ur engine up to 200,000 miles or something?

because synthetic is cheaper than what i am paying for conventional now, that's why i'm switching anyways

**Penguinchit** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 04:16 PM

I've heard that since synth is so much finer, if there are any places that would leak with synthetic but don't leak with conventional, the new oil will let you know...

**nismos14** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 04:23 PM

^ wtf kind of conventional oil are you buying??

I changed it over on my maxima, @ 140k miles and I had leaks galore.

bob1234 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 04:30 PM

Well, I e-mailed Mobil 1 to see what they have to say about it.

You can check with your local Autozones for the Mobil1 HM 5W30, you can switch to the Classic Mobil1 motor oil without issue.

I never did check at Autozone since they are usually a little bit pricey, but I will probably just get the regular synthetic oil with the Mobil 1 filter.

saywat? · #11 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 05:17 PM

is it tru that when a car reaches high mileage (whenever that is maybe 100k) u should go to a heavier oil weight like 10w-30

hattrick3518 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguinchit

I've heard that since synth is so much finer, if there are any places that would leak with synthetic but don't leak with conventional, the new oil will let you know...

i have heard this, but also that after the first change, those leaks should now be filled by the new synthetic. so yes on the first change, there will probably be leaks. however after that, on the next change should coat and fill in those leaks?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismos14

^ wtf kind of conventional oil are you buying??

I changed it over on my maxima, @ 140k miles and I had leaks galore.

i have been using valvoline premium conventional, picking it up at checker auto. i get the gallon jug 1@$16.99 and then an additional qt 1@$3.89.

comes out to $20.88 then the filter is $6-$7. plus tax is usually around $30?
$20<$20.88, lol i know its not much, but for the price i want to try and switch to synthetic. however if there are enough horror leaking stories then maybe i'll stay conventional

xpressive · #13 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:05 PM

wow this forum is so uninformed and misled it's quite puzzling.

I like how most of the posts in here are incorrect.

BITOG is something you all need to read.

Welcome

hattrick3518 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpressive

wow this forum is so uninformed and misled it's quite puzzling.

I like how most of the posts in here are incorrect.

BITOG is something you all need to read.

Welcome

i have been on there few times, but for you to just tell us all to read the whole forum then i dont think any of us have time to do that.

if you could clear up some of the questions we have, instead of just telling us we're misinformed and not stating why... we would appreciate it

altjt02 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 05:28 AM

Synthetic may find leaks at first. As long as your gaskets aren't too far gone, tho, those leaks may disappear. Synthetic lubricates the gaskets better and can make them swell and actually stop leaks. Its really kind of a shot in the dark for some really high mileage vehicles, tho.

to the OP: I would say at 122k you should be ok. especially if the vehicle was well maintained. I switched at about 94k with no problems.